Alphonse Toussaint. Sculptor. Woodcarver. Saint-Jean-port-Joli, Quebec. Active mid-20th century.
Alphonse Toussaint was a nephew of the three brothers. He joined the studio of Andre Bourgault in the mid to late 1930’s and made painted carvings of Quebec people in traditional costume. His carvings were well made with distinct and very expressive faces. Signed examples of his work are rare but can be found. He signed usually in script: Alphonse T. Bourgault or Alph. Toussaint Bourgault and simply Alphonse Toussaint. I have not seen a mark with a hyphen. It is my understanding that his family name is Toussaint and he (as did his brother Leon Toussaint) used ‘Bourgault’ to identify with the studios of his well-known uncles (where they both were working at the time). He married Cecile Bernier in 1943.
A pair of carvings by Alphonse Toussaint ( Bourgault) with his mark:
Alphonse Toussaint Bourgault . Early 1940’s.
The mark of Alphonse T. Bourgault:
Alphonse Toussaint Bourgault. His mark in script.
Another mark. Alph. Toussaint Bourgault:
Alphpnse Toussaint Bourgault. His mark.
A carving of a Woman by Alphonse Toussaint (3rd Mark):
Alphonse Toussaint. Woman. 1930s.
Alphonse Toussaint. Third mark:
Alphonse Toussaint. 3rd Mark.
From La Dictionnaire des Artistes de Langue Francais en Amerique du Nord:
